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Originally posted by Yorick:
Moiraine, the problem I have with atheism is that a human cannot prove anything does not exist. We experience 70 odd years if we're lucky, in a small piece of time and space, and yet we are suddenly able to suggest things don't exist anywhere at all throughout the entire universe with all it's potential parallel diminsions, alternate realities and spiritual possibilities?
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But Yorick, humanity has invented writing, that is how we are able to profit from centuries of fellow humans experience ! [img]smile.gif[/img]
And if we can prove that the probability that a thing exists is infinitesimal, that's near enough proof that that thing does not - very very probably - exist ...
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Secondly, an atheist places their reality upon theists, by presuming their reality to apply to everyone - thus discrediting and devalidating the experience of someone who says they know God.
Agnosticism does no such thing. Theism does no such thing.
An agnostic view acknowledges there is potential for reality outside their own experience.
I have never tried to say "You know God exists, you're just lying or insane" whereas an atheist by default says that to me. I agree with an atheist when they say they do not know God. You most assuredly do not.  I agree with an atheist when they say they have not experienced God. You most probably have not.
If I did that would be devalidating your experience.
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Where where did I state that I was an atheist ? I have stated twice in this very thread that I am an agnostic ! [img]smile.gif[/img]
And what has my question anything to do with atheism at all ? You people were discussing theology and science. IMO, questioning is maybe the most important basis of any scientific attitude, so I asked a rhetorical queston in that spirit. Seeing that that question was dodged, I thought it was interesting to ask it again. Rhetorically. Honestly. Without any hidden meaning. [img]smile.gif[/img]
Oh, I realized that it would make you who believe in God defensive. I considered not asking it again, for fear that it would lead to aggressivity and unhappiness. But I decided to post it anyway, because
there is no harm in a honest question.
And about atheists - sorry to disagree, but you both make assumptions, you that God does exist, atheists that He does not. Nothing wrong with that [img]smile.gif[/img] but if you feel that by making that assumption they "discredit and devalidate your experience by default" ... don't you believe that they feel the same from you ?
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However, I know God. Denying his reality is impossible for me now. It would be like denying I am alive, or that I possess love.
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Yes I understand and respect that. It is as valid an answer as Cerek's - finally. No need to go all aggressive on me. The question was not intended to make you feel bad - only to question. [img]smile.gif[/img]
*cough* Yorick *cough* don't get all worked up now *cough* uh sorry Mouse ... [img]smile.gif[/img]